While Chicago is known for diverse food and drink, going out to eat can end up costing quite a bit of money. Over the years, these are some of the best deals my friends and I have found around the city.
1. Lincoln Park: Mo's Maki Monday
Mo's Asian Bistro a go-to restaurant for my friends, myself, and plenty of other DePaul students since its Lincoln Park opening in 2016. When I'm not sure if I want Chinese, Japanese, or Thai, it's there to offer all three! On Monday's specifically, their already cheap sushi is 50% off. On other weekdays, DePaul students get 10% off their bill upon presenting their IDs.
2. Uptown: The Reservoir
Located walking distance from Montrose Beach, this restaurant is perfect for summer with its patio seating. On Wednesdays, the restaurant does half off wine bottles, along with half off meat & cheese boards. Perfect for a light dinner or late night snack!
3. Ravenswood: The Rail Bar and Grill
This bar/restaurant, located less than 50 feet north of the brown line, has been a go-to for my friend group years before any of us were legal to drink. On Mondays and Thursdays, the bar does 50 cent flavored jumbo wings, coupled with drink and appetizer specials. I can personally never get through the smallest amount of offered wings, so this meal is very much worth it for me.
4. Lakeview: Holiday Club
Located right off the Sheridan Red Line, the Holiday Club has been a neighborhood staple for decades. On Tuesday, the restaurant offers a $5 burger special from the time they open (6 p.m.) to when the kitchen closes. While add-ons are extra, the restaurant does offer an extensive list, so it is very much worth it.
5. River North: Imperial Lamian
This Chinese restaurant, specifically specializing in xiao long bao, is not always the cheapest due to its international chefs and delicacies, however, every Wednesday, starting at 3 p.m. until their dinner rush, the restaurant has a $5 dim sum special. Located a few blocks away from the Grand red line, the restaurant is in the heart of downtown Chicago, with plenty of other drink and dessert specials located around it.
With my friends and myself sharing a love of cheap food and exploring neighborhoods, coupled with an endless amount of restaurants to try, there could be a completely different list coming up soon, too!